can exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can exist' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're talking about something that has the potential to exist, or something that has the potential to be real. For example: "Hope can exist even in the darkest of times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No party can exist forever.

The Guardian

Bipartisan consensus can exist, however.

The New York Times

The two can exist simultaneously.

Harvard Business Review

Additionally, political hurdles can exist.

Columbia University

Huge differences can exist within regions.

The Economist

This means that the Δ++ can exist.

The Guardian

But it can exist in other forms".

The New Yorker

Now women can exist in both worlds.

The Guardian - Film

But language can exist independent of speech.

The New York Times

Naïveté can exist as a virtue.

The New York Times

No such confusion can exist with Stalin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can exist" to express possibility or potential, ensuring the context clearly defines what "can exist" and under what conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "can exist" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where a more precise term might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can exist" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that something has the ability or capacity to be real. The examples show its use in various contexts, from abstract concepts to physical entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can exist" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, followed by academic and scientific publications. When writing, consider using synonyms like "is possible" or "may occur" for stylistic variation. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in overly abstract contexts to maintain clarity and impact. With its neutral register, "can exist" is suitable for diverse writing purposes, adding a layer of possibility to your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to exist

Highlights the capability or ability of something to exist.

is possible

States that something is within the realm of possibility.

can be present

Indicates the potential for something to be in a specific location or situation.

may occur

Focuses on the possibility of something happening or taking place.

can take place

Emphasizes the possibility of an event or activity happening.

is conceivable

Emphasizes the ability to imagine or conceive of something.

might be found

Suggests a chance of discovery or uncovering something.

could arise

Highlights the potential for something to emerge or come into being.

is viable

Indicates that something is capable of working or succeeding.

can materialize

Focuses on the actualization or coming into physical form of something.

FAQs

How can I use "can exist" in a sentence?

Use "can exist" to indicate possibility or potential. For example, "A peaceful solution "can exist" if both parties are willing to compromise."

What are some alternatives to "can exist"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is possible", "may occur", or "could arise".

Is it correct to say "can exists" instead of "can exist"?

No, the correct form is "can exist". The modal verb "can" always takes the base form of the verb, regardless of the subject.

What is the difference between "can exist" and "does exist"?

"Can exist" implies a possibility or potential for existence, while "does exist" asserts that something is currently real or present. "Unicorns "can exist" in fantasy stories", but "unicorns do not exist" in the real world.